Four Year Strong have been building a huge following since the release of their most recent full-length, Rise Or Die Trying, in 2007. Their blend of hardcore and synth-pop music has made an impact on all different kinds of music fans. We caught up with synth player Josh Lyford at their Chicago date on Taste of Chaos 2009. He shares his thoughts on the many fan tattoos relating to the band, gives some details on the new album, and provides some insight on just what chaos tastes like.
Four Year Strong have been building a huge following since the release of their most recent full-length, Rise Or Die Trying, in 2007. Their blend of hardcore and synth-pop music has made an impact on all different kinds of music fans. We caught up with synth player Josh Lyford at their Chicago date on Taste of Chaos 2009. He shares his thoughts on the many fan tattoos relating to the band, gives some details on the new album, and provides some insight on just what chaos tastes like.
MishMash: So, how’s the Taste of Chaos experience been?
Josh Lyford: It’s been awesome. We’ve toured with all the bands on here before, except Thursday. So we kind of knew we’d get along. We keep calling it Brofest 09. We usually have a transition period meeting all the bands and stuff, but we didn’t have that on this tour. Thursday’s awesome.
MM: Now, a lot of your songs have titles that are quotes from movies, did you guys do that on purpose or is there a reason for it?
Josh: I think honestly, we’re all just dumb. We just love movies. We’ll have a working title when we record something and then, “ohhh we need to call that something, I guess we’ll just say blah blah blah whatever movie.” Prepare To Be Digitally Manipulated was originally called Blow Me Where The Pampers Is from PCU or something. Little trivia question.
MM: Are you currently writing songs for a new album?
Josh: Yes
MM: When will that be released?
Josh: We don’t know when it’s going to be released. We want it to be this year. I think the plan is to go record after this tour. Hopefully soon. That’s our plan.
MM: Have you taken any different approaches to the new album as opposed to the older ones?
Josh: I don’t think we put our heads together that much about it. It’s kind of just more of do what comes. If you over think it, it gets kind of scary.
MM: So you covered Sara Bareilles for Punk Goes Pop 2, did you guys choose that?
Josh: Hell yeah. Yeah yeah, actually I think Alan I’ll give the final credit for on that decision. We had been throwing around like a million different ideas. Everyone had 50 different ones they wanted to do and Al said we should do that song and we were all kind of like… alright that’ll be hilarious.
MM: A lot of your fans get Four Year Strong related tattoos. How does that feel when people come up to you and show you that they’ve got a tattoo about your band on them?
Josh: Awesome! I mean kind of hilarious in a way. We all have Four Year Strong tattoos. I’ve got the rise or die here (points to forearm). Alan’s got it somewhere. I haven’t seen his naked body in a couple days so I kind of forget where it would be. All of us do so hell yeah, join the club, the cool guy squad.
MM: Fans also seem to have a strong love for your beards, why do you think that is?
Josh: I don’t know, ‘cause mine’s pathetic. I just buzzed it up the other day, but it doesn’t look any better usually, anyways. So, go gingers!
Four Year Strong
MM: What would you tell someone who has never seen you live before to expect at a Four Year Strong show?
Josh: I don’t know. Ever since we started hiring the elephants, things have been getting out of control. Kids have been getting trampled and stuff so I don’t know. Just watch out. Wear a helmet.
MM: If you could go on tour with any band, still together or not, what bands would you choose?
Josh: Hot Water Music, Reach the Sky, and Last Lights
MM: What’s something you really want people to know about Four Year Strong?
Josh: Nothing, they know enough! No, I’m just joking. I don’t know. We’re just a bunch of idiots who sit around and make fun of each other all day, and that’s pretty much it. Not all business all the time.
MM: Alright, final question. Since you’re on the Taste of Chaos tour, have you figured out what chaos tastes like?
Josh: I’ve always known what chaos tastes like…salty.
>> For more info visit www.myspace.com/fouryearstrong
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